NOTE: This story has been updated to reflect why Head Start was relocated to another building.
Listeners and readers have asked about the old brick building at 277 E. Tompkins, located at the corner of Tompkins and Kellogg streets across from The Vault at Reserve Artisan Ales in downtown Galesburg. The two-story structure, most recently a Head Start preschool, is undergoing a major renovation.
WGIL spoke with building owner and local developer Rob Benedict to get answers.
Benedict said the historic building, originally a creamery and later a gym and sheet metal shop, is being restored to preserve downtown Galesburg’s character. “I think we tear enough buildings down downtown,” he told WGIL, explaining why he chose renovation over demolition for a parking lot. His goal is to create Airbnb-style lodging for out-of-town visitors, particularly those attending events at The Vault, a venue owned by his sons across the street. “We want to keep them downtown, not driving to a hotel,” he said.
Benedict relocated the Head Start program to the former Churchill Jr. High School building after determining that the 277 Tompkins property required significant structural repairs. He said the new location provides a more suitable “school like environment” for the children.
Structural repairs to the steel, brickwork, and window lintels are complete, and the interior has been gutted to its original framework. The project is now in the cosmetic phase, with tuckpointing and new window installations underway to have the building “dried in” before winter.
This winter, Benedict will work with an architect to finalize the building’s future, which could include a mix of retail and lodging or a full lodging facility open to the public. A decision is expected by spring, pending city approval.
WGIL will keep you updated as this downtown project progresses.
Do you have a followup to this topic, or do you have another question about something happening around Galesburg? Email Jay Redfern at jayr@wgil.com.
